Community Post Type: News

This year, Paul McCartney celebrated his 80th birthday, headlined the Glastonbury Festival and the International Beatleweek Festival returns to Liverpool on August 24th; so many reasons to come together and celebrate John, Paul, George and Ringo.

The International Beatleweek Festival celebrates the music of the most famous pop group in the world in the city where it all began. Live music is the focus of the festival with 70 bands from over 20 countries. Beatles fans flock to Liverpool from all over the world.

Formby Hall is ideally located to explore the festival and all the Beatlemania that Liverpool has to offer, including the Beatles Museum, Magical Mystery Tour, Penny Lane and the famous Cavern Club.

Guests can also take some time to relax and recharge – Formby Hall’s resort location on the rural Merseyside coast has miles of sandy beaches and woodland forests to explore, as well as a leisure club and spa with swimming pool.

Get Back to Formby guests will enjoy a Beatles-inspired cocktail before a delicious dinner in the Fairway Grill and a special gift; a hardback “Get Back to Abbey Road” book. Guests will also enjoy a full English breakfast and access to the resort’s leisure facilities.

Get Back to Formby is available to book now from £263 per room, per night based on two sharing. Ts and Cs apply. Call reservations on 01704 875 699 or visit www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk

The Autumn programme for Liverpool’s new, state-of-the-art concert hall, The Tung Auditorium, is now available to book, with British jazz legend Courtney Pine headlining with new material from his forthcoming album, Spirituality.

Courtney Pine will be joined on piano by Zoe Rahman and a string quartet, on September 23, as the duo pick up from where they left off with the release of their much-heralded project, Song (The Ballad Book).

A huge variety of performers will be welcomed through the Tung’s doors for its second public programme of events. The new 400 seat, acoustically optimised, flexible music performance space is capable of facilitating chamber music, vocal groups, electro-acoustic and multi-media work, or up to a 70-piece orchestra.

The Tung Auditorium Artistic Director, Richard Hartwell said:

“We are delighted to be able share our autumn season for The Tung Auditorium. Since opening in February 2022, we’ve already welcomed thousands of audience members to this incredible new concert hall.

We’ve stayed true to our word and the series includes orchestral, choral, chamber, jazz, folk and electronica, as well as testing the technical capabilities of the venue with live music for film, and two chamber operas!

For more information on The Tung Auditorium, and to book tickets for all this season’s shows, please visit thetungauditorium.com.

The final programme for Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 has been revealed – as organisers count down three weeks until the 12-day event returns with a packed programme of 17 productions. 

The third annual Liverpool Theatre Festival takes place between Wednesday 31 August and Sunday 11 September 2022, with shows daily performed outdoors within the walls of the historic St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre.

The festival boasts its biggest programme yet featuring variety and cabaret, comedy, opera, drama, musicals, family shows, and drag acts.

The three final additions to complete the programme are The Crown Duels – Gangs Of Hope; Stop The World, We’re Getting Off; and The Forgotten Forest. 

The full programme also includes I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical; Fear And Misery Of The Third Reich; Laughterhouse Comedy; Not Drunk But Disorderly; Holy Moly Cabaret; The Wind In The Willows; Ma Joyce’s Tales From The Parlour; Venus Rising; Opera Beneath The Stars; 97+ – A Drama Based On The 1989 Hillsborough Disaster; Dame Fanny & The Starlets – A Family Friendly Drag Show; Drag Me To Church – Dragstravaganza; Julie Madly Deeply; and Looking For Me Friend – The Music Of Victoria Wood.

The line-up includes three shows which have already wowed audiences at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival – all three are coming to Liverpool for the very first time. I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical opens the festival on Wednesday 31 August; while Julie Madly Deeply and Looking For Me Friend – The Music Of Victoria Wood close the event on Sunday 11 September. They will come direct from the Scottish capital to debut at Liverpool Theatre Festival. 

Drunk But Not Disorderly returns after its successful premiere at Little LTF (Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works) earlier this year – organisers have now invited the production to be part of the main event. It joins the previously announced 97+ – A Drama Based On The 1989 Hillsborough Disaster, which also premiered at Little LTF this year and is now included in the main programme. The Forgotten Forest makes a welcome return after a successful premiere at the inaugural Little LTF in 2021.

As part of the event, Liverpool Theatre Festival is launching a brand new night featuring the finest and quirkiest cabaret acts from across the region including comedy, burlesque, music, and circus. Holy Moly Cabaret is hosted by the super talented Nana Funk, and will feature Liverpool’s very own glamour queen Millie Dollar and award-winning comedy musicians Jollyboat.

Producer and artistic director Bill Elms commented: “We’re excited and thrilled to announce the final programme for Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022. From the very beginning, it was our mission to create a diverse festival to showcase new and developing works on an exciting platform for the talent which thrives so strong in our city and region. We are very proud of this year’s programme – and feel that the variety and cabaret elements will really strengthen our offer and appeal. So join us for 12 days of fun, laughter, drama, and uplifting live entertainment.” 

Liverpool Theatre Festival was created by Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms, who has worked in the theatre industry for more than 30 years. Theatres and live entertainment venues were ordered to close immediately under the Government’s first national Covid-19 lockdown guidelines in March 2020.

It was Bill’s mission to reinvigorate and boost the city’s live performance and creative arts sector, offering a lifeline when it was needed most. Liverpool Theatre Festival was created in a matter of weeks. Its inaugural staging won praise from audiences and critics alike, as well as winning many awards along the way.

Liverpool Theatre Festival is committed to supporting local artists, creatives, and theatre companies. During the two events in 2021, a total of 30 local and regional diverse theatrical productions were staged – resulting in almost 200 performers, musicians and creatives involved and working as the pandemic continued.

Liverpool-based children’s charity KIND is this year’s official charity partner, which includes bucket collections at show performances. Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 is dedicated to the memory of Baby Michael James who would have been celebrating his 21st Birthday this September.

Visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com for the latest news updates. 

National Museums Liverpool (NML) are planning two exciting jobs fairs this summer for locals to find out about some of the exciting career options available in the city.

The fairs, to be held on Friday 19 August at Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield and Friday 16 September at the Kuumba Imani Millenium Centre, have been developed by NML and will feature well-known businesses from across the Liverpool City Region.

Attendees can expect to meet representatives from a range of organisations, including University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool Football Club, Everton Football Club, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Strawberry Field, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and more.

These events represent an opportunity to learn more about what jobs employers have available right now, and also for businesses to go into local communities, talk about a range of their career opportunities and build new, long-lasting relationships. Advisors from Back on Track Education will also be on hand to help with a range of skills – from CV building to filling in application forms.

Rebecca Loy, Diversity & Inclusion Partner at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Whether you want to work front of house in our shops and cafes or at our events, or you prefer to stay behind the scenes curating, conserving or marketing and communicating about our exhibitions and collections, there are hundreds of careers at National Museums Liverpool. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have a degree.”

“Statistics show that those from disadvantaged backgrounds, low-income households, care-leavers, mature students, disabled students and students from some ethnic minority groups are less likely to go to university, but we don’t believe this is a barrier to having a rich and fulfilling career at NML.”

“We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive so if you’re looking for an exciting new role come and find out what we have to offer.”

Find out more about the job fairs at liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/job-fairs

To celebrate MDI’s rebrand to TOGETHER, they will be hosting an Artist Takeover throughout August, where Guest Artists will host a series of classes, workshops and open days.

For more information contact studio@mdi.org.uk

Classes at TOGETHER are aimed at Dancers of all ages (class members range from 16-90) and abilities from professional and beginners.

You can watch their new We are Together! video here.

Creative Director and CEO, Martina Murphy, says “TOGETHER is a statement of diversity and inclusivity, a brand that puts partnerships and collective endeavours at the fore. Together is a name that states, with no uncertainty, that we work, dance and are stronger together and that everyone is welcome.

The rebrand will strengthen focus on each element of our programme, with dance inspiring everything we do. We are excited to launch this with our August Artist’s Takeover”.

Four local projects have been awarded a share of a pioneering £110,000 funding pot, to support their work to help children in North Birkenhead to thrive.

Charities, community organisations and local groups were invited to submit joint applications for grants of up to £25,000 from Cradle to Career’s new Service Collaboration Fund, and demonstrate how their projects will support children, young people and families in North Birkenhead.

After deliberation from local professionals, residents and an independent chair, the successful projects have been announced – Standing Together, Diversity+, Builder Book and POD FUN Birkenhead.

It is the latest initiative as part of Cradle to Career’s long-term strategy to boost opportunities for children, young people, families and older residents. Cradle to Career is a collective impact programme managed by the national charity Right to Succeed, and supported by donations of almost £3m over three years by the Steve Morgan Foundation, and SHINE.

A condition of the Service Collaboration Fund was that local organisations work collectively to deliver the project.

Steve Morgan, Redrow founder and chair of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: 

“We are proud to support this project and to have made a long-term commitment to the community of North Birkenhead, where the young people have so much potential. I grew up in Merseyside, and want every child to have the support they need to achieve their dreams.” 

One of the successful projects, Diversity+, aims to ensure that every family living in the North End of the town with children with additional needs has a support network they can turn to.

Bev Morgan, CEO, Koala NW, of the Diversity+ project, said:

“Koala NW has been delivering services in Wirral for over two decades. We saw working with Cradle to Career as an opportunity to improve engagement in North Birkenhead. We had specifically identified a service gap around supporting families with children with SEND, and when the Service Collaboration Fund was advertised, we jumped at the chance to apply with two other local organisations.

“Koala NW, WEB-Merseyside and Equilibrium provide a wealth of services to the local community, and this was an opportunity for us to work together and expand our offer. The project, Diversity+, will provide a seamless offer of emotional and wellbeing support for children and families with SEND, through commissioned home visits, sensory-based play sessions, monthly coffee mornings, coaching sessions, sleep support with a qualified sleep practitioner, and a 0-19 group to support mothers.”

Rekha Patel-Harrison, programme director, Cradle to Career, said:

“The Service Collaboration Fund encourages local community organisations and services to work together, creating new projects to support children and their families in North Birkenhead. All four of the successful projects were approved by a panel of local residents and professionals because they address a service gap in the area, from improving community support and opportunities for children with SEN needs to providing family literacy workshops and resources.

“Funding is for a one-year pilot period, during which we will support the organisations all the way to help demonstrate the impact of their work, and support potential applications for future funding.”

Standing Together will work with schools and families in the Birkenhead North area and provide opportunities to learn about and engage themes of discrimination, anti-racism, and the celebration of different cultures.

Builder Book aims to improve mental fitness, literacy and social interaction in children and families via creativity and storytelling, helping narrow the education gap, increase family time, decrease social isolation, and encourage open conversations between families around feelings.

The POD FUN project aims to provide access to peer-led wellbeing services that meet the needs of families with children and young people living with SEND or challenges around SEMH in the North Birkenhead community. 

MerseyMade, the creative hub in Liverpool city centre, is preparing to celebrate the art of patisserie as part of a new collaboration with one of the city’s much loved independents, Artisane.

The South Liverpool bakery, best known for its traditional French breads, pastries, pies, cakes and macarons, is set to bring some of its finest delights to the menu at MerseyMade as the vibrant venue reveals plans for a brand new café called Scribble.

 The new 50 cover eatery, which is set to open next month, will provide a relaxed and friendly setting for breakfast, a laid-back lunch or a catch up with family and friends. Boasting seating across two floors, Scribble is designed to give guests the chance to soak up the creative atmosphere in the surroundings of magnificent artworks and unique creations from over 100 local artists and artisans.

Scribble will feature upcycled tables and chairs at ground level as well as comfortable sofas in the heart of the open plan artists’ studios on the second floor, where visitors can enjoy cakes by Artisane alongside locally roasted speciality coffees, whilst talented artists, illustrators and makers work on their latest creations.

The kitchen at Scribble will be overseen by seasoned restaurateur, Sean Millar, who is renowned for acclaimed restaurants such as The Other Place, The Side Door and Pruno.

He said: “In the same way MerseyMade champions the work of the region’s artists and creators, Scribble is designed to celebrate our talented local food producers and Artisane is up there with the best. I’ve known the team behind Artisane for many years and I’m absolutely thrilled to be featuring a selection of their locally made pastries, pies, quiches and breads on the menu at Scribble.

“As well as daily specials from Artisane, the menu will also include comforting classics with a twist such as eggs benedict, served with ham hock, marinated in honey and mustard; and signature dishes including Scribble’s open sandwich, which combines homemade hashbrowns, streaky bacon and fried egg with smashed avocado, tomato and onion relish and toasted ciabatta. MerseyMade is an incredible venue and I’m looking forward to working with founder, Vicky Gawith, and her team to create a café that will be a true reflection of the unique buzz and energy that runs through the place.”

Anne-Louise Bouffard-Roupe of Artisane, said: “We’re hugely supportive of MerseyMade’s mission to champion local independent businesses and this new collaboration is a perfect fit for Artisane, marking our return to Liverpool city centre.

“As a family run local business, we’re super excited about working with the team at MerseyMade as we bring a hand-picked selection of Artisane favourites to the menu at Scribble. It’s fantastic to be on board as Scribble starts to take shape and we’re very much looking forward to being a part of the new food and drink offering at such a fabulous creative space.”

Speaking on the plans for Scribble, MerseyMade Founder, Vicky Gawith, added: “Creative talent is at the heart of everything we do at MerseyMade and Scribble will be no exception. Combining Sean’s food knowledge and expertise in the restaurant industry with Artisane’s wonderful pastries, breads and cakes is set to be a great recipe for success. It’s an extremely exciting time for MerseyMade and we can’t wait to unveil Scribble in the coming weeks.”

A creative oasis in Liverpool city centre, MerseyMade features a charming shop, café, artists’ studios and an events space. Visitors can find a treasure trove of delights ranging from original paintings, prints and jewellery to homeware, organic skincare, craft gins, gifts and cards.

Among the local creators based in the studios at MerseyMade are mixed media illustrator, Jenny Dunlop; abstract artist, Jessica Slack; graphic designer, Sophie Green; nail artist, Kristen Dunlop; and textile artist, Alistair Mc Cready with emerging artists regularly being invited to apply for studio space.

Scribble, which will replace the Gordon Smith café, will also bring extended opening hours to MerseyMade with the venue opening from 8.30am – 6pm from Monday – Wednesday; 8.30am – 10pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and 10am – 5pm on Sundays.

MerseyMade, which celebrates its third anniversary later this year, is located in the historic Chancery Building on the corner of Paradise Street, steps away from Liverpool ONE. To find out more about MerseyMade and the venue’s summer programme of creative events, please visit merseymade.uk.

Liverpool Theatre Festival returns in five weeks for its third consecutive year – and it’s back boasting its biggest programme yet bursting with talent, exciting new shows, and plenty of music, glamour, and comedy. 

Organisers have announced the next round of shows, which showcases a strong variety and cabaret theme for the 2022 event. The announcement also coincides with the festival’s lead sponsor and partner confirmed.

The line-up currently features 14 shows on sale, including three hugely popular shows which continually wow Edinburgh Festival Fringe audiences – they are coming direct to Liverpool for the very first time.

Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 will take place at outdoors within the walls of the historic St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre between Wednesday 31 August and Sunday 11 September 2022. 

The programme for the Autumn event features comedy, drama, musicals, drag, family shows, and opera.

Now added to the programme are I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical; Fear And Misery Of The Third Reich; Not Drunk But Disorderly; Holy Moly Cabaret; The Wind In The Willows; and Venus Rising. 

Organisers are delighted to add three shows which all won rave reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical opens the festival on Wednesday 31 August; while Julie Madly Deeply and Looking For Me Friend – The Music Of Victoria Wood close the event on Sunday 11 September. They will come direct from the Scottish capital to debut at Liverpool Theatre Festival.

While Drunk But Not Disorderly returns after its successful premiere at Little LTF (Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works) earlier this year – organisers have now invited the production to be part of the main event. It joins the previously announced 97+ – A Drama Based On The 1989 Hillsborough Disaster, which also premiered at Little LTF and is now included in the main programme.

Also, celebrated Liverpool writer Ian Salmon (Girls Don’t Play Guitars, The Comeback Special, and Those Two Weeks) is back with a brand new version of one of his first successful plays. Venus Rising is a very modern love story about loss, regret, the decisions we make, and finding out what we actually need.

Liverpool Theatre Festival is also launching a brand new night featuring the finest and quirkiest cabaret acts from across the region including comedy, burlesque, music, and circus. Holy Moly Cabaret is hosted by the super talented Nana Funk and stars include Liverpool’s very own glamour queen, Millie Dollar.

Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 also includes Laughterhouse Comedy; Ma Joyce’s Tales From The Parlour; Opera Beneath The Stars; Dame Fanny & The Starlets – A Family Friendly Drag Show; Drag Me To Church – Dragstravaganza; Julie Madly Deeply; and Looking For Me Friend – The Music Of Victoria Wood.

The full programme will be announced shortly. Visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com for the latest news updates.